Kick-off your summer with a trip to one of these best Fourth of July getaways for families! Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend trip or an extended getaway, we’ve compiled great ways to enjoy Independence Day festivities. From large cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC to coastal destinations like Nantucket, Provincetown, and Mystic our list offers a mix of celebrations and plenty of downtime to relax as well. Not to mention, fireworks! Regardless of how you want to spend your weekend commemorating America’s independence, this list of the Best 4th Of July Weekend Getaways From NYC For Families To See Fireworks has it all. Keep reading to learn more!
Best Fourth of July Getaways for Families Who Want to Soak Up the Sun
Nothing says July 4th quite like soaking up the sun at a beach or the park! If your idea of a weekend getaway involves cooling off in calm water, hiking, or any other adventurous activities, you’ll love the options on this list. Keep reading to learn more!
RELATED: 16 Best Fourth of July Celebrations in the US: A Guide to the Most Spectacular Fireworks Shows
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid isn’t just a winter destination. It’s also one of the best Fourth of July weekend getaways near NYC for families to see fireworks! Around 5 hours away, this scenic mountain town features a fun July 4th celebration.
Start with a Lake Placid Horse Show, then head to Main Street to see the July 4th Parade. Kids will love all the elaborate costumes and decorated floats! At around 9:30 PM, the festivities culminate with a dazzling firework show over Mirror Lake. To soak up the sun, families can relax on Village Beach at Lake Placid’s south end or return to Mirror Lake to canoe, paddle-board, kayak, or swim. Or, stroll the pier for views of the Adirondack Mountains and hike the half-hour High Falls Gorge. To learn more about Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy, visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum or Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex.
Where to Stay in Lake Placid with Kids
If you need somewhere to stay in Lake Placid with kids, consider the Whiteface Lodge, Mirror Lake Inn & Spa, or the Placid Bay Hotel. Families visiting Lake Placid also opt to rent lakeside accommodations from places like Vrbo.
If you love Lake Placid, read Escape The City Heat: 14 Best Lakes in New York State For Families To Visit During Summer!
Niagara Falls, New York
Families who want to visit Niagara Falls during the Fourth of July weekend will find plenty to do. Though many people say the best view is from the Canadian side, you can still see some nice scenery on a Maid of the Mist boat tour, which starts on the American side and briefly crosses into Canada.
Of course, one of the best places to experience July 4th in Niagara Falls is Hyde Park, the second biggest park in New York after Central Park! In this sprawling green area, families can enjoy a typical independence day BBQ/picnic, alongside activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. There’s also a swimming pool for kids who want to cool off, a splash park, and games like lawn bowling, tennis, basketball, and more. When dusk falls, grab the best seat on the lawn you can find and prepare for an epic firework show!
Research tours in Niagara Falls with Viator or Getyourguidecom here!
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls with Kids
Need somewhere to stay in Niagara Falls with your kids? A lot of families like the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, though it can get a bit loud. The Sheraton Niagara Falls or the Hyatt Place Niagara Falls are two affordable options for families traveling on a budget.
Read before you go: 9 Best Things To Do In Niagara Falls With Kids
Lake George, New York
Families will love a summer vacation to Lake George, around four hours from NYC. This upstate New York destination is known for its scenic mountain views and abundance of summer activities.
Spend your July 4th enjoying a family BBQ at the beach – Ushers Park Beach popular for little kids due to its shallow waters and nearby playground. You can also pack a picnic, go for a swim, or rent a kayak to explore Lake George. Or, give kids an American history lesson by visiting Fort William Henry. Stone Bridge Caves is an easy hike for scenic views, accessible for young kids. Of course, no matter how you spend your day, you should end it with family fun downtown at the Lake George Village. Kids will love going on rides, playing carnival games, or visiting The Around the World Golf Course. Stick around for the firework show over Lake George!
Where to Stay in Lake George with Kids
Families staying in Lake George can choose between home rentals, camping, and boutique hotels. If you’re feeling adventurous, try nearby sites like Battleground State Campground or Lake George Escape, which have heated pools, sports fields, and organized weekend activities. Or, stay on your own specially reserved island campsite by booking in advance through Lake George’s official camping website!
For a hotel experience, try luxury resorts like The Sagamore. It has multiple pools, a 10,000 square-foot recreation center, kid-friendly restaurants, and boat rentals!
Mystic, Connecticut
Spend your Fourth of July weekend in the coastal town of Mystic! Located in Connecticut, around three hours from NYC, this walkable town is especially festive during the Fourth of July. Enjoy a celebration at the Mystic Seaport, alongside a huge firework extravaganza at Sailfest in nearby New London.
Mystic also has family-friendly beaches, from Williams Beach Park to Esker Point Beach. Families can also book a boat tour through Mystic River Cruises, Argia Mystic Cruises, and Mystic Express to cruise down the Connecticut River. Or, stroll along the Mystic Seaport, visit downtown Mystic, or go shopping at Olde Mistick Village. Kids can cool down with ice cream while they browse toy shops! On a hot or rainy day, visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Art Museum, the Niantic Children’s Museum, and the Mystic Aquarium. Don’t forget about dinner at Mystic Pizza and dessert from Mystic Candy Shop!
Get your tickets to the Mystic Seaport Museum here through Getyourguide.com or Viator now!
Where to Stay in Mystic with Kids
Mystic is a great place to visit with kids and there are plenty of hotels for families too. One of the best options is the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, located downtown with an indoor pool for kids. The Whaler’s Inn is another family-friendly option, an inn-style boutique hotel located across multiple Victorian buildings. For private cottage rentals, check out Harbor View Landing. Many families visiting Mystic also opt to book a home rental through Vrbo.
RELATED ARTICLE: Best Things To Do In Mystic With Kids This Summer
Nantucket, Massachusetts
In Nantucket, the Fourth of July isn’t just a one-day event. In fact, the week before July 4th, this tiny, secluded island off Cape Cod offers anything from beach BBQs to live music performances. Plus, the shops on Main Street illuminate in pretty shades of red, white, and blue.
Kids will especially love the big water fight in the center of town (be sure to bring a towel!). Then, enjoy more fun at Children’s Beach, with events such as potato-sack racing, tug o’ war, and more. The Fireworks display will be held Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 9 pm. In case of rain or bad weather, the fireworks will happen Tuesday, July 5th at 9 pm according to the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce. Other things to do during your summer weekend include a critter cruise, fishing, or visiting the Brant Point Lighthouse. Families can also rent a Jeep to reach the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.
When you’re hungry, stop by Brant Point Grill, Cru, 167 Raw, or Sayles Fish Market for lobster rolls and clam chowder! Greydon House is another great option for your visit, serving dinner only 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday.
Pro Tip: When visiting Nantucket with kids, be sure to book your ferry ticket months in advance if you’re planning on bringing a car. It can get crowded, and fairly expensive.
Where to Stay on Nantucket with Kids
Wondering where to stay on Nantucket with kids? We suggest the White Elephant Nantucket, an upscale hotel overlooking Children’s Beach in downtown Nantucket. There’s also The Nantucket Hotel & Resort, a historic hotel located two blocks from Children’s Beach.
Enjoy more fun in the sun with this list of the Best Summer Vacation Ideas in the U.S. for Families!
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Lovingly referred to as P-Town, Provincetown is a wonderful destination for families. Around five and a half hours from NYC, this Massachusetts town showcases Independence Week, a week-long celebration with DJs, dance parties, and more fun!
On July 4th, families can watch as a special independence day parade winds through town. At night, head to the Provincetown Harbor to see the fireworks display! You can get an amazing view from any beach near MacMillian Pier. At the Pilgrim Monument, families can also enjoy a special picnic event with ice cream for kids and hard cider for parents. The rest of the time, families can go whale watching or bring kids to the Whydah Pirate Museum. Walk along the beach and challenge kids to find the three local lighthouses or rent kayaks and bikes to explore. Seafood lovers can’t miss the Lobster Pot for fried clams and lobster!
For this summer’s updates, please reference this link! Plus, find their calendar of events here.
Where to Stay in Provincetown with Kids
Families looking for family-friendly accommodations in Provincetown often choose to rent their own beach house from Vrbo, or another local home rental agency.
Top 50 Provincetown Vacation Rentals | Vrbo.com
Best Fourth of July Getaways for Families Who Love History
If you’d rather spend your weekend getaway immersed in American history, there are plenty of family-friendly destinations to do so! From Boston to Williamsburg, Virginia, here are our picks for the best Fourth of July weekend getaways from NYC where families can see the fireworks!
For more summer vacation ideas, our list of 16 Fantastic East Coast Summer Destinations Families Will Love has you covered!
Boston, Massachusetts
Where better to celebrate July 4th than the cradle of the American Revolution? In Boston, families can enjoy a mix of summer and historical activities during their weekend getaway. Boston Harborfest, which takes place from June 30th through July 3rd this year, transforms the city with historical reenactments, musical performances, and more patriotic-themed fun. Certainly, Boston is one of the best Fourth of July getaways for families near NYC.
This year, the festivities will take place in Boston’s Historic District, Downtown Crossing, and East Boston. Listen to music on “The Steps,” at Washington and Franklin Street in Downtown Crossing or walk the Freedom Trail for your daily dose of American history, including visiting Paul Revere’s House. Other events are scheduled throughout the week, like puppet shows and readings of the Declaration Of Independence. For the firework finale on July 4th, head to Boston Commons to watch a spectacular show light up the sky. Or, take a cruise around the Boston Harbor for a better view!
Book your tours of Boston through Viator or Getyourguide.com here!
Related Article: 22 Amazing Things to Do in Boston with Kids
Where to Stay in Boston with Kids
If you’re looking for the best hotels in Boston for families, we have a few suggestions. In the Back-Bay, you could book a room at Fairmont Hotel Copley Plaza, Four Seasons Hotel Boston, or Westin Copley Place. In downtown Boston, stay at the Omni Parker House Hotel or the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel. Families who want to stay by the water will love the Boston Marriott Long Wharf.
For more information on Boston hotels, check out our list of the Best Hotels In Boston For Families!
Washington DC
Experience a memorable July 4th weekend in our nation’s capital, Washington DC! Around four hours from NYC, it provides the perfect backdrop for your Independence Day festivities.
Take advantage of DC’s many museums to commemorate American history, from the National Portrait Gallery to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. At the Sylvan Theater, you’ll also find a special activity area for families, featuring activity booklets for kids and educational scavenger hunts. In Virginia, you can also celebrate July 4th at George Washington’s Mount Vernon home. With live music, daytime fireworks, and a chance to meet an actor playing George Washington, it is fun for all ages! If you’d prefer to stay in DC, families can also attend A Capitol Fourth, a free concert before the fireworks on the National Mall. Then, gear up for the grand finale: a spectacular light display over DC’s famous monuments!
Take a highly-rated tour of Washington DC through Getyourguide.com or Viator here!
Also, read: Best Washington DC Museums For Kids By Age
Where to Stay in Washington DC with Kids
Families will find a range of kid-friendly hotels in Washington DC to fit their budget or itinerary. One great luxury option is the Willard Intercontinental Washington, located right in downtown D.C, within a short walk of the city’s most famous sights. (The National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House.) To stay in a less-trafficked area, the luxury Omni Shoreham Hotel features a sprawling property with a seasonal outdoor pool, plus it’s a 10-minute walk from the National Zoo. If you’re searching for a more affordable option, consider the budget-friendly Capitol Hill Hotel. Regardless of where you choose to stay, DC will prove to be one of the best Fourth of July getaways for families!
Also, see our full list of Parent-recommended Hotels in Washington D.C. for Families here!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is without a doubt one of the best fourth of July weekend getaways from NYC for families to see the fireworks! Less than two hours away, this historic city allows guests to celebrate Independence Day in America’s birthplace.
Every year, the city hosts its Wawa Welcome America festival, a sixteen-day extravaganza with live music, fireworks, and other patriotic events! During this time, families can take advantage of free museum days to learn more about American history at the African American Museum Philadelphia, the National Liberty Museum, or the Free Library of Philadelphia. Of course, don’t forget about the iconic Liberty Bell! Other events rotate, but often include block parties with live music and kid-friendly entertainment. Though unconfirmed for this year, there’s usually a free concert on July 4th as well. Then, end your celebration with a fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway!
Save on Philadelphia attractions with CityPASS! Book yours here today!
Where to Stay in Philadelphia with Kids
There are plenty of hotels in Philadelphia for families. If you need somewhere to stay during your weekend getaway, consider the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, or Kimpton Monaco Philadelphia. Families also like to book apartment-style accommodations through Vrbo.
Williamsburg, Virginia
If you’re looking to take an extended Fourth of July vacation or are willing to travel a little further out of NYC, we suggest visiting Williamsburg. This historic Virginia destination offers plenty of ways to enjoy the festivities in Colonial Williamsburg.
First, start July 4th on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street, where you can enjoy a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live musical performances, and other family fun. Events change depending on the year, but in the past, kids have been able to enjoy events such as Ice Cream Socials at the Kiwanis Club, complete with sweets, arts & crafts, and other games. At night, families can stroll through the enchanted Governors Palace Gardens and its Lights Of Freedom exhibit. Not only will the beautiful gardens be illuminated by vibrant colors, but it’s also a great place to see the annual fireworks show. Nearby Yorktown also hosts a variety of amazing Fourth of July activities for families!
Where to Stay in Williamsburg with Kids
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Williamsburg with kids, we suggest the Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony, the Williamsburg Inn, or also the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg. Each has a great location and amenities for kids, like a pool and indoor water park! Not to mention, they will make a great home base for your Fourth of July getaway with kids.
Happy Travels!
We hope you found this list of the Best 4th Of July Weekend Getaways From NYC For Families To See Fireworks helpful in your summer planning! From American history to live music, fireworks, and more family fun, it’s also a wonderful way to appreciate quality time as a family. Enjoy one of the best Fourth of July getaways for families with your kids!
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
READ NEXT:
Thanks for reading!
Love our content?
Stay in the know by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
Immerse yourself in a world of limitless exploration by joining us on Instagram at families.love.travel.
Join our vibrant Facebook community, "Families Who Love to Travel," (where family travelers like you can ask for advice and share tips with other families!).
Plus, you can read our latest articles by following our Facebook page.
Shop for Family Travel Memorabilia on Shop Families Love Travel.
Latest Articles
How to Plan a Yellowstone National Park Family Vacation
Everyone knows that Yellowstone National Park makes for a classic family vacation. Strolling the boardwalks...
Best Beaches® Turks and Caicos Review By A UK Family
Beaches Turks and Caicos may not seem like a typical vacation destination for a UK...
All About the Cayman Islands With Kids: Important Information You Need to Know
If you’re traveling to the Cayman Islands with kids, there’s some important information you need...
Travel Gift Ideas
National Park With Kids
Family Travel Tips
7 Tips For Staying Sane on Family Road Trips
Avid family travelers often dream of taking a long road trip to really immerse their...
9 Best Bug Sprays And Lotions For Kids
Choosing the correct bug repellents for kids can make or break your summer! Who wants...
6+ Tips for Keeping Kids Entertained on a Family Trip
Keeping kids entertained on a family trip can be a full-time job! I’ve come to...